Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) is an economically damaging viral pathogen of field peas and lentils that can cause significant losses in seed yield and quality, especially when infections occur before or during bloom. It has been observed on field peas and lentils in North Dakota and on field peas in Montana. PSbMV is distributed worldwide, and it presumably was introduced to North Dakota and Montana on seed imported from other regions.

Clubroot is caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. The pathogen survives in the soil and infects the roots of canola and other Brassicae plants (such as broccoli, cauliflower, Shepherd’s purse and wild mustard), causing a galling and swelling, and giving them a “club” appearance.

This fungicide guide is based on the latest information available from the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the agricultural chemical industry.

Cercospora commonly occurs, can result in considerable loss in yield and quality and reduces storability of sugar beet roots in piles. Bacterial Leaf Spots commonly occurs but usually not of economic importance; some rhizomania-resistant varieties have shown increased susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot.

Fusarium yellows of sugarbeet was identified in the Red River Valley in a few fields between Moorhead, Minn., and Drayton, N.D., in 2002. Fusarium yellows is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. betae, although other Fusarium
species can be involved as secondary invaders. The disease causes significant reduction in root yield and
recoverable sucrose. In storage, the quality of infected roots may deteriorate more rapidly than in noninfected roots.

Rhizoctonia root and crown rot is one of the most severe soil-borne diseases of sugarbeet and a major problem for growers in Minnesota and North Dakota. This publication provides colored pictures of the disease symptoms and management practices.